Bible Story: Safe in the Lions' DenReference: Daniel 6 Just as God revealed in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, there was another kingdom that ruled next, called Medo-Persia. King Darius was also impressed with Daniel’s wisdom and made him one of 3 governors to rule in the land. When the king thought to make Daniel ruler over all the governors and all the satraps under them, the other leaders got angry and jealous of Daniel.  In Medo-Persia, The other leaders were jealous of Daniel, but Daniel did nothing wrong. They noticed Daniel prayed 3 times a day to God. (Point up) Image courtesy of Sweet Publishing and FreeBibleImages.org “There is nothing that this Daniel does wrong,” the jealous leaders said to each other. “He worships his God everyday. A-hah!” Now, they had an evil plan. The jealous leaders went to King Darius and said, “King Darius, we want you to make a law that says everyone cannot pray to any other god but you or be thrown in the lions’ den.” King Darius liked the idea, so he signed it into law.  The jealous leaders asked King Darius to make a law that says everyone must pray to the king or be thrown in the lions’ den. The king signed the law. (claw hands) Image courtesy of Sweet Publishing and FreeBibleImages.org Daniel continued with his habit of praying 3 times a day to the God in heaven from his window facing Jerusalem. The jealous leaders rushed to the king and accused Daniel of breaking the king’s new law. The king was sad and angry. He realized they had tricked him, but the laws of Medo-Persia cannot change. So, he put Daniel in the lions’ den. The next morning, the king rushed to the den to see if his friend was alive. “Don’t worry, king,” Daniel called out. “My God sent an angel to shut the lions’ mouths.” The king released his friend.  Soon, the king had to throw Daniel in the lions’ den because Daniel prayed to God in heaven. But, God shut the mouth of the lions and saved him. (clap) Image courtesy of Sweet Publishing and FreeBibleImages.org Our Bible story reminds me of the prayer verse, 2 Chronicles 16:9, which says, “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” (NKJV). Daniel stayed loyal to God no matter where he was or what king he served. He strengthened his faith by praying 3 times each day. Taking time to pray every day is an important habit we can develop, too. So, when a great test comes to us, like it did to Daniel, God’s eyes will find us loyal to Him. He will show Himself strong for us, too. Will you remember to pray 3 times each day? Dear Father God, Help me remember that You are always watching me and ready to help me. I give my whole heart to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen
Nature Window: Food Chain Lions are at the top of the food chain because they eat other animals and don't have predators that primarily eat them. Photo #1408356 by Euan Straiton, courtesy of FreeImages.com Lions are sometimes called the “king of beasts.” They can hunt and kill all sizes of animals. They are at the top of the food chain. A food chain puts in order what food is eaten by whom. For example, at the bottom of the food chain are plants, like grass. The next level of the food chain shows an animal that eats grass, like the zebra. Then the next level of the food chain shows an animal that eats the zebra, like the lion. So, the lion is at the top of the food chain. Another way of showing what creatures eat is called a Food Web. A Food Web shows multiple food chains that are connected to one another. The lion is still at the top. But, under the lion there might be some other creatures he could eat, like the cheetah or the zebra. But, the cheetah can also eat the zebra and other creatures, like the gazelle. Zebras and gazelles may eat shrubs and grass. The lions in the den were very hungry and gladly ate people. But, God’s angel shut their mouths, so that even the animal at the top of the food chain couldn’t touch Daniel. Memory Mastery: The Godhead At the baptism of Jesus, we get to see all 3 persons of the Godhead together! God the Father spoke from the clouds. God the Son came up out of the water. God the Spirit came down as a dove. Image courtesy of Sweet Publishing and FreeBibleImages.org Who is God? Heavenly Father to whom I pray (Point up, then praying hands) Jesus Christ who died for me (Arms outstretch on cross, then point to self) Holy Spirit who lives in my heart (Swirl a finger around, then point to heart) All three are one God of love! (Show 3, show 1, hug self) Mission Trip: A Church for BulgariaThis quarter we are helping our brothers and sisters in Europe share Jesus with the people there. One special project is a church with a designated children's area in Bulgaria. Bring your coins all quarter long to help with the Bulgarian church project.
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